20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Spain: Expert Guide by Jeremy Head
Spain captivates with its sun-kissed climate, rich history spanning millennia, and vibrant culture, making it a top dream destination for travelers. Amid vast landscapes, world-renowned coastlines, and dramatic mountain ranges, choosing where to go can be overwhelming. Renowned travel writer Jeremy Head, author of Frommer's Seville, Granada and the Best of Andalusia, shares his curated selection of 20 of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain.
1. Pueblos Blancos – Andalusia's enchanting white-washed hilltop villages
These iconic white villages perch precariously on rugged hillsides in central Andalusia, defying gravity. Once farming communities that declined as youth migrated to cities, they've been lovingly restored by locals and international visitors. Narrow streets, whitewashed homes, ancient churches, and flower-filled squares now exude timeless charm. Standouts include Grazalema, Vejer de la Frontera, and Arcos de la Frontera.
Must-do highlights in Pueblos Blancos
- Wander the charming narrow cobbled streets, immersing yourself in the villages' authentic allure.
- Admire the Gothic Church of Iglesia de la Santa María de la Coronada, featuring an impressive Plateresque retablo.
- Explore the historic monuments of Medina Sidonia.
- Include Arcos de la Frontera, the stunning gateway to the Pueblos Blancos.
- Experience the Moorish ambiance amid breathtaking scenery in Grazalema.
- Visit hilltop Vejer de la Frontera, one of the prettiest Pueblos Blancos.
Recommended Airbnb in Andalusia
- Las Lagunas de Mijas, Andalusia, Spain
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in Andalusia
2. Granada – Culturally rich city home to the majestic Alhambra Palace
Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia, Granada boasts exquisite Moorish medieval architecture. The crown jewel is the Alhambra, Spain's most-visited monument: a hilltop complex of ornate palaces and gardens with snowy peaks as a backdrop. Intricate Moorish designs in serene courtyards contrast beautifully with later Baroque elements.
Must-do highlights in Granada
- Tour the iconic Alhambra, Europe's second-most-visited site.
- Stroll 2-3 hours through Albayzín, the UNESCO-listed old Moorish quarter.
- Discover the lavish Nasrid Palaces with opulent courtyards and royal halls.
- Visit Sacromonte hill's cave homes, famed for flamenco shows.
- Savor rooftop drinks at sunset from BHeaven rooftop bar or Alhambra Palace Hotel terrace.
Recommended Airbnb in Granada
- Granada, Spain
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in Granada
3. Seville – Romantic Andalusian capital brimming with beauty
Andalusia's majestic capital enchants with stunning sights, passionate flamenco, vibrant bars, shops, and restaurants. The highlight is Plaza de España, designed by Aníbal González for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. This semi-circular marvel features colorful tiled towers, colonnades, a grand fountain, and canals for pedal-boat rides—famously featured in Star Wars: Episode II.
Must-do highlights in Seville
- Explore the exquisite Real Alcázar, blending Moorish and Christian architecture.
- Admire Plaza de España, a Renaissance/neo-Moorish icon from films and series.
- Visit the 15th-century Cathedral of Seville.
- Discover landmarks like Torre Giralda and Iglesia Colegial del Salvador.
- Wander charming Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter.
- People-watch from an outdoor table in Centro Histórico, blending tradition and modernity.
- Catch an authentic flamenco show.
Recommended Airbnb in Seville
- Seville, Spain
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in Seville
4. Ronda – Dramatic mountaintop city in Andalusia
In the heart of Serranía de Ronda, this 35,000-resident city overlooks lush river valleys. Andalusia's third-most-visited city, near popular Málaga, offers thrilling sights. The Puente Nuevo bridge, built over 42 years, links the Moorish old town with El Mercadillo across the profound El Tajo gorge.
Must-do highlights in Ronda
- Gaze from the Puente Nuevo over the dramatic El Tajo gorge.
- Tour Mondragón Palace, with its museum and lush gardens.
- Relax in picturesque Plaza Duquesa de Parcent.
- Visit terraced Cuenca Gardens for panoramic city views.
- Taste renowned wines at Descalzos Viejos winery.
- Explore ancient Arabic walls and gates.
Recommended Airbnb in Ronda
- Ronda, Málaga, Spain
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in Ronda
5. Balearic Islands – Idyllic Mediterranean resort islands
Off Spain's east coast, Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera lure global visitors. Ibiza thrives on nightlife, but all offer unspoiled spots and ancient history, like Greek shipwrecks.
Must-do highlights in the Balearic Islands
- Discover cosmopolitan Palma in Majorca, with boutiques, dining, and marinas.
- Visit artistic Deià in Majorca, a 20th-century creative haven.
- Relax at serene Cala Salada beach in Ibiza.
- Explore low-key Menorca's endless beaches, from sandy expanses to turquoise coves.
See our guide to 20 quiet resorts in Majorca for discerning travelers.
Recommended Airbnb in Majorca
- Port de Pollença, Majorca
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in Majorca
6. San Sebastián – Upscale Basque coastal gem
This sophisticated city boasts golden sands, azure waters, gourmet dining, and elegant architecture. A global food capital, it's perfect for pintxos (Basque tapas).
Must-do highlights in San Sebastián
- Lounge on 1.3km La Concha beach with golden sands and clear waters.
- Explore Parte Vieja (Old Town)'s narrow streets, bars, and eateries.
- Sample local pintxos.
- Try quieter Zurriola Beach.
Recommended Airbnb in San Sebastián
- San Sebastián, Spain
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in San Sebastián
7. Costa Brava – Catalonia's rugged, glamorous coastline
This 200km stretch features cosmopolitan resorts, emerald coves, beaches, and parks like Cap de Creus and Albera. Discover wetlands, marine reserves, Empuries ruins, and medieval villages: Pals, Peratallada, Ullastret.
Must-do highlights on Costa Brava
- Unwind at Fenals Beach with crystal-clear waters and watersports.
- Spot birds and wildlife in Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà.
- Visit Vila Vella, Tossa de Mar's Old Town, a 1931 national monument.
- Tour Salvador Dalí's 1930s summer house.
- Relax on pristine, quiet Platja Canyelles Petites.
Recommended Airbnb on Costa Brava
- Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Catalunya, Spain
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation on Costa Brava
8. Formentera – Pristine beaches and turquoise waters
Spain's 5,000+ miles of coastline include Formentera's ultra-white sands and shallows in the Balearics, reachable by boat from the mainland. Ses Illetes dazzles with dunes and ultramarine waters.
Must-do highlights in Formentera
- Visit world-renowned Platja de Ses Illetes.
- Charter a yacht or join a boat tour.
- Sunbathe at smaller Cala Saona beach.
- Try jet skiing or paddleboarding.
Recommended Airbnb in Formentera
- Formentera, Spain
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in Formentera
9. Barcelona – Vibrant modernist capital of Catalonia
Catalonia's proud capital offers nightlife, shopping, and beaches, but Antoni Gaudí's whimsical designs steal the show. Unfinished La Sagrada Família is the star, alongside Casa Milà and Park Güell.
Must-do highlights in Barcelona
- Explore surreal Park Güell for city views.
- Wander the Gothic Quarter's medieval streets, bars, and restaurants.
- Savor tapas, paella, or esqueixada salad.
- Visit monumental Basilica de la Sagrada Família.
- Enjoy sunset cocktails at Azimuth Rooftop Bar.
- Relax on the lively city beach.
Recommended Airbnb in Barcelona
- Barcelona, Spain
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in Barcelona
10. Valencia – Blend of historic and futuristic architecture
This southeastern port city enjoys mild weather and buzzing culture. The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences by Santiago Calatrava outshines even Bilbao's Guggenheim with its fluid white forms, stunning at night.
Must-do highlights in Valencia
- People-watch in vibrant Plaza de la Reina.
- Browse and eat at Valencia Central Market.
- Sunbathe on top La Malvarrosa beach.
- Dine at innovative Karak restaurant.
Recommended Airbnb in Valencia
- Valencia, Spain
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in Valencia
11. Picos de Europa – Dramatic northern mountain paradise
Spain's diverse landscapes peak in the Picos de Europa: jagged summits, green valleys, wild rivers ideal for hiking, rafting, and snowshoeing. Spot rare Cantabrian brown bears and wolves.
12. Zaragoza – Goya's hometown rich in history
Aragon's capital dazzles history buffs with museums, religious sites, and street art. Iconic Basilica del Pilar features Goya paintings; ascend its towers for Ebro River views.
Must-do highlights in Zaragoza
- Visit 11th-century Palacio de la Aljafería, a fortified Islamic palace.
- Navigate lively El Tubo in the Old Town's alleys, packed with bars.
- Ascend Torre del Pilar for 360° city and river vistas.
13. Playa del Silencio – Asturias' serene clifftop beach
In northwest Asturias, this "Beach of Silence" stuns with sky-reflecting waters and curving cliffs. Access via a scenic walk from Castañares amid Cudillero's dramatic coastline.
14. Tarragona – Roman-ruled port with UNESCO heritage
An hour from Barcelona, once Rome's Spanish capital, Tarragona blends history, culture, beaches, and blue skies. Seaside amphitheater overlooks Tarraco, a Catalan UNESCO wonder.
Recommended Accommodation in Tarragona
- Tarragona, Spain
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in Tarragona
15. The Pyrénées – Majestic France-Spain border range
Stretching from Biscay to Mediterranean, peaks exceed 11,000ft. Protected parks like Ordesa y Monte Perdido showcase dawn/dusk-lit valleys of unparalleled beauty.
16. Santiago de Compostela – Galicia's pilgrimage jewel
Galicia's capital ends the Camino de Santiago. Its Baroque-smothered Gothic cathedral, accessed by grand stairs, welcomes pilgrims amid historic alleys.
Recommended Airbnb in Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela
17. Cíes Islands – Galicia's paradisiacal archipelago
Off Pontevedra, these three isles (San Martiño, Do Faro, Monteagudo) offer caves, forests, cliffs. Base in a private apartment to savor their shores.
18. Mount Teide – Tenerife's volcanic centerpiece
Canary Islands' volcanic terrain differs starkly; Tenerife's snow-capped Teide offers lunar hikes, cable car summit views to other isles.
Recommended Airbnb in Tenerife
- Santa Úrsula, Tenerife
- To book, check prices or availability for Airbnb Accommodation in Tenerife
19. Toledo – Hilltop imperial city of heritage
Central Spain's 1986 UNESCO site, the "Imperial City" hosted Charles V's court. Sites include Castillo de San Servando, a Templar monastery-turned-monument by the Tagus.
20. Segovia – UNESCO historic gem with Roman aqueduct
Near Madrid, Segovia preserves medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a royal palace, and Gothic cathedral. Its mortar-free Roman aqueduct, 728m (2,388ft) long with 167 arches reaching 28.5m (93.5ft), exemplifies ancient engineering.
Visit Spain compassionately: Avoid funding cruel bullfights, bull runs, donkey rides, or animal festivals. Embrace progressive modern Spain!
Curated by Jeremy Head, contributor to UK newspapers and author of Frommer's Seville, Granada and the Best of Andalusia.
Accommodation recommendations are suggestions; prices vary.
